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Slim Paley Photo

I don’t know why I photographed this table before it was finished- I think I was losing the natural light, but in any case, you get the idea…try to use objects that reflect a lot of light on your table- get inventive- there are no rules (except where the cutlery,dishes and stemware go- but ya, other than that, knock yourself out!)

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Slim Paley photo

It’s a nice idea to tear particularly beautiful photos of flowers, or holiday scenes from magazines and incorporate them into your gift wrapping.  Am I the Queen of Recycling or what?  I keep all of this stuff in clear plastic shoe boxes from Target.  Don’t for one second get the idea that I am organized though because I’m NOT.  I’m always wrapping right up to the last second, no joke.  Every year I say the same thing- “Next year I WILL be organized” but I never am. Nothing makes me more jealous than people who are ready for Christmas well ahead of time…like the day before.  What’s up with that??

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Slim  Paley photo

Sugared fruits are a fun, old- fashioned way to bring some natural sparkle to the Christmas table. In candle light they look positively gorgeous.   Making them is relatively easy. Separate the white of a few eggs and mix lightly with a dash of water in a large bowl.  Pour some sugar into  another large bowl.  You may use fine sugar (but not powdered) for a delicate look, or a larger grain sugar for a more snowy effect.  Simply dip the parts of the fruit you want sugared into the egg white mixture, letting any excess drip away (a light coating works best) then roll very gently in the sugar.  I prefer to dip only part of the fruit, as if snow has fallen upon it.  Cutting some fruits in half, such as kiwis or starfruit and sugaring the cut sides looks very pretty.  Place your fruits, un-sugared side of course, on paper towels til set.  How long your decorations will last depends on the fruit -harder ones such as apples, citrus and pears will last a few days, softer,  such as grapes and figs are more perishable.  You can always sprinkle more sugar on them if the fruits start to absorb it.   You may also put them outside at night which definitely helps.

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Slim Paley photo

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Collect vintage ribbon, silk flowers, buttons, feathers, dried leaves, old postcards,black and white photos, tiny pieces of driftwood from the beach…there are countless ways to wrap with love!